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Description: “Shermer is savage about the shortcomings of intelligent design
and eloquent about the spirituality of science . . . An invaluable primer.”
—Los Angeles Times Book Review Science is on the defensive. Half of Americans reject the theory of evolution and intelligent-design campaigns are gaining ground. Classroom by classroom, creationism is overthrowing biology. In Why Darwin Matters, bestselling author Michael Shermer decodes the scientific evidence to show that evolution is not “just a theory” and illustrates how it achieves the design of life through the bottom-up process of natural selection. Shermer, once an evangelical Christian and a creationist, argues that intelligent-design proponents are invoking a combination of bad science, political antipathy, and flawed theology. He refutes their pseudoscientific arguments and then demonstrates why conservatives and people of faith can and should embrace evolution. Cutting the politics away from the facts, Why Darwin Matters is an incisive examination of what is at stake in the debate over evolution.
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Review Summary: If you doubt evolution, read this book |
Date: 2008-05-08 |
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Details: This is a fine little book (less than 200 pages) that covers what evolution is; how we know it's real; why evolution matters; and why so many people have a problem with accepting it.
While some people may ask why another book about evolution is necessary, clearly it is needed because American's still aren't getting the message. About half of US citizens currently deny evolution. More than half say creationism should be taught in science classes. Something clearly is wrong. Shermer's book won't solve the problem but it should help.
This book is not overly technical and can be read by just about anyone. Shermer shows in plain English that evolution is on very solid ground while creationism has no good evidence or compelling arguments at all.
Probably the most important point in the book that would benefit most well-meaning people is that creationists only have to do science if they want their ideas to be respected as science. They should not be spending time and energy in school board meetings and political campaigns. If they really believe their claims are true and scientific then they should focus their rescources in the field to find supporting fossils and in the laboratory to find proof in DNA. The fact that virtually all of their attention is on PR rather than doing science says it all.
I highly recommend this book.
--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
I recommend these books as well:
Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters
Evolution Boxed Set
What Evolution Is
The Last Human: A Guide to Twenty-Two Species of Extinct Humans
Walking With Cavemen
Walking with Cavemen - Discovery Channel |
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Review Summary: Indeed Darwin's science contribution does matter |
Date: 2008-04-05 |
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Details: Many reviewers lament the need for such a book, largely because the unconvinced audience will not change their minds anyway, and the convinced do not need more convincing. A real value of this book, though, is its concise summary of terms and tenets of evolutionary theory, from Darwin to modern day biology. The important science chapters for the reader to be aware of are "The Facts of Evolution" (ch. 1), "In Search of the Designer" (ch. 3), "The Real unsolved Problems in Evolution" (ch. 9), and "Epilogue: Why Science Matters."
The other chapters deal more with social, political, and religious topics connected with the theory and implications of natural selection. They are fun to read, but can be distracting from the main theme. Such sections concerning various reasons and prejudices have for rejecting Darwin, almost at the mention of the word "evolution," are likely fairly well known and recognized. The chapter about debating "intelligent design" champions can probably be skipped without much loss. The author, by his own testimony, does not seem to have convinced many debating opponents (nor audience) to this way of thinking, and this would argue against bothering with debates on the subject in the first place.
Chapter 7, "Why Science Cannot Contradict Religion" may well be a nonstarter. With a nod to Bill Clinton, it would depend on what one means by "religion." Read the chapter anyway, because Shermer does a decent job of parsing his chapter title. Chapter 8, "Why Christians and Conservatives Should Accept Evolution" has a condescending and presumptive ring to it even with those words. At worst, this is only preaching to the choir as it snoozes.
A minor irritation with the author might be the length of some endnotes. Personally, this part of a book should only cite references, and leave any narrative for the main texts - if the narrative is important enough to be included. A minor good point: Shermer lists not only websites favorable to his book, but also some with considerably opposed viewpoint.
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Review Summary: another book? |
Date: 2008-03-26 |
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Details: Don't get me wrong. I am not a creationist. In fact, I, like most educated citizens, find creationism to be absurd. No less absurd is 'intelligent design' theory.
However, this book is completely and utterly unecessary. The material is redundant and derivative.
Combine this with Shermer's annoying 'skepticism' and you have the recipe for a bad book. I would not say that this book is horrible. It does give you some basic facts about natural selection, evolution, etc. Yet, it is quickly written, poorly edited, not well thought out, and mostly vapid.
For those who are looking for a REAL introduction to evolutionary thought, I would suggest "What Evolution Is" by Ernst Mayr. His book is well thought out, pedagogically flawless, and unpretentious.
Shermer's reputation for being a great thinker is greatly inflated. I once saw him debate with a creationist and lose!! How he managed this feat, I haven't a clue. I agree with Dawkins: There is no point in debating this topic with creationists. If you don't get it, you won't get it; and Shermer's watered down, derivative defense of Darwinism will changed nobody's mind. |
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Review Summary: Why Darwin Matters |
Date: 2008-03-15 |
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Details: This book really helped me understand evolution and settled the matter in my mind once and for all. |
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Review Summary: Evolution marries Religion |
Date: 2008-01-18 |
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Details: There are hundreds of books out there that explain the hows, whys, and wherefores of evolution. Why is Shermer's book unique or important? Simply, he carefully explains away the old strawman that evolution leaves us without meaning or morals. With a kind, careful style - and never condescending or arrogant - he explains why religion, morality, and social responsibility are completely compatible with evolution and he does not minimize either. Indeed, his marriage of the two elements of science and religion elevates both in a way that cannot be repugnant to the most careful scientist or the most conscientious religionist. |
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out of 59 Reviews
